Please login first
NEW RECORDS OF SEA ANEMONES (CNIDARIA, ANTHOZOA, ACTINIARIA) FROM NAMUNCURÁ-BURDWOOD BANK MARINE PROTECTED AREA I, AREA II AND ADJACENT AREAS
* , * , * , *
1  Laboratorio de Biología de Cnidarios, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET
Academic Editor: Kevin Cianfaglione

Abstract:

The Namuncurá-Burdwood Bank Marine Protected Area (N-BB MPA) is the first of its kind located on the Continental Shelf of the Argentine Republic. It was designated as an MPA in 2013 due to its oceanographic characteristics, the significance of its ecosystems with a high degree of biodiversity and endemism, and the potential for human impact. Geomorphologically, the Burdwood Bank (53º 40’ - 55º S; 62º - 60º 40’ W) consists of a submerged plateau with an approximate area of 28,000 km², with depths ranging from 50 to 200 meters on the plateau's surface and extending to 4000 meters on the southern bounding slope. In 2018, the southern slope was incorporated as a conservation area, resulting in the formation of the Namuncurá-Burdwood Bank II MPA.

Sea anemones represent a significant component of intertidal and subtidal benthic communities, influencing their structure and function. Understanding the biodiversity of sea anemones within the N-BB MPA is crucial, particularly for conservation decision-making. Preliminary reports and species lists of sea anemones within N-BB MPA I and II and adjacent areas have identified eight species: Dactylanthus antarcticus, Bolocera kerguelensis, Isosicyonis alba, Actinostola crassicornis, Phelliactis cf. lophohelia, Hormathia pectinata, Actinauge langicornis, and Paractis leavis. Detailed analysis of samples and data obtained from campaigns conducted in the area by CONICET (Argentina) in 2016 and 2017 has expanded this knowledge. This study adds the species Stomphia selaginella and Scytophorus striatus to the list of species present in the N-BB MPA and adjacent areas. Additionally, these are the first records of S. striatus on the Argentine Continental Shelf, thus expanding the list of sea anemones documented in Argentine territory.

Keywords: Conservation; Biodiversity; Argentine
Comments on this paper
Laura Schejter
It's excellent news to know that the Burdwood Bank richness continues to increase with each new study conducted by the specialists! The new records help us complete and understand the distributions of all species. Congratulations on the poster, it turned out very nice, and not only is the information interesting, but you’ve also managed to present it with a very appealing aesthetic!
Camila Vasquez Sasali
Thank you very much, Laura. I'm really glad you liked the poster. I completely agree with you, and it’s gratifying to be able to contribute to the knowledge of the richness of Burdwood Bank. Thanks again for your kind words and for taking the time to comment!



 
 
Top